Harvard Square image

Harvard Square

Tourist attraction

One of the Most Revieweds in Cambridge


Address

Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States

Website

www.harvardsquare.com

Contact

+1 617-491-3434

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (9.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: (Easter), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Harvard (25) visit (14) area (11) Square (10) great (9) shops (9) restaurants (9) buildings (8) good (8) Boston (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Dale T. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a great place to visit when on vacation in Boston. You have the campus on one side and so many great shops and restaurants to choose from all around. Easy connection via the red line which puts you right in the center of the action. Make sure to check out the Harvard Art Museum while you are there. There is a great independent bookstore to visit. Several great places to get a cup of coffee, Pavement Coffee, Tatte Bakery, Peet's just to name a few. Also keep your eye out for the random turkey walking down the street.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abou Iyad B. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the highlights of our trip to Boston. The vibe is amazing, I love the food there! Harvard was eminent and magnificent ! Such a place that lived up to my expectations !
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heather B. 11 months ago on Google
    Super fun area to check out while in the area! Beautiful shops / places to eat nestled right next to Harvard University! Very walker friendly. Lots of public parking lots (parking prices are on the higher side- prob due to tourists) Beautiful walking area with plenty of shops. Such a fun vibe. You can also walk over to the campus while there & see all the beautiful buildings! Stunning buildings! Most shops are open late too which is a plus since I stopped in after dinner hours to shop. Very clean & safe feeling!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Atilla L. 3 months ago on Google • 95 reviews New
    This place is a must visit when in Boston. The history clearly shows and to roam around the most famous university in the world is an amazing feeling.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 tevez 5 months ago on Google • 95 reviews
    Harvard Square is a captivating hub that effortlessly blends academic charm with vibrant city energy. Strolling through the square, you're immersed in a rich tapestry of history, intellect, and cultural diversity. The iconic red-brick buildings and historic architecture create an atmosphere that resonates with the prestige of Harvard University. Yet, beyond academia, the square pulses with life—street performers, bustling cafes, and eclectic shops contribute to its dynamic character. This lively intersection is a melting pot of ideas and creativity. Students engrossed in animated discussions at coffee shops, street musicians setting the soundtrack for passersby, and bookstores filled with literary treasures all contribute to the unique ambiance. The diverse range of restaurants and eateries reflects the international influence of the university community, offering a culinary journey that mirrors the global perspectives found within Harvard's walls. Harvard Square is not just a geographical location; it's a cultural crossroads where tradition meets modernity. The historical Harvard Yard seamlessly transitions into contemporary art installations and innovative spaces. The square's enduring appeal lies in its ability to be a haven for scholars and a welcoming space for everyone, making it a must-visit destination that encapsulates the essence of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jorge Luis D. 10 months ago on Google
    It’s more touristic than I thought.. but you can enjoy it, has a lot of cool places to go, and you have this historic aura.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Descartes 10 months ago on Google • 138 reviews
    Lots of historical charm but quite touristy unfortunately. You must plan far ahead to get a normal Harvard tour (for interested students and parents). We ended up purchasing a tour that was given by a current student as an alternative. The buildings are beautiful but off limits to non-students. It is worth a look but expect to have large groups of tourist walking around and taking pictures.

  • 5/5 Ayush M. 3 months ago on Google • 50 reviews New
    Harvard Square serves as the prime spot for tourists and students alike to deboard the Boston public transport system and explore Cambridge. There's a whole bunch of stores, cafes, and restaurants in and around Harvard Square, which makes it the perfect location to spend a good part of your day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ayala p. 9 months ago on Google • 123 reviews
    Oooo such an awesome experience. There's so many things to do there ! You could go in the sprinkles, play ping pong, get ice cream, or just hangout and enjoy the weather! I was at a specific spot, but there's a lot of other things to do If you go around a little .

  • 5/5 Mo A. 1 year ago on Google
    This place was on the top of my plans to visit in MA. It is not just a campus, but a place where it can take You many years back. A lot of restaurants around and attractions, for example great bookstore, great places to get a cup of coffee, like Tatte Bakery, check my photos elsewhere in Google map to see my review of Tatte coffee shop. #Enjoy!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexa's W. 11 months ago on Google
    The area is full of stores, restaurants, pubs and street performers. We came for Memorial Dat weekend and to attend Boston Calling Music Festival but we took some time to visit Harvard Square, the buildings, and a few restaurants. Had a great time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jen M. 1 year ago on Google
    This location was absolutely beautiful! The food was very good! Expensive, but that was to be expected. My girlfriend took us here for my birthday dinner and it was cute when we came in (after making reservations online) they had a birthday card there waiting for me. Our waiter Joseph was very sweet and extremely knowledgeable!! Loved learning the history behind the building and location!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Igor D. 1 year ago on Google
    Crowded place near Harvard University. It’s ok to visit once in the while. A lot of various places for food and drink. Good luck finding parking though.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali A A. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a great place to walk around and grab some food to eat
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amir Sohel C. 3 months ago on Google • 72 reviews New
    A lively and entertaining destination surrounding the Harvard University. Full of diverse unique shops, vendors and street performers. Its a hub for cultural experiences and a wonderful place to explore.

  • 5/5 Kshitij Z. 7 months ago on Google • 53 reviews
    Great vibe overall, best time to visit for good photographs/videos and experience is evenings between 5PM and 7PM There is a good blend of American, Indian, Mexican cuisines here, something for everyone. 😄

  • 4/5 Birgitt P. 5 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    You'll be able to see the famous Harvard buildings here, and there are lots of shops around, nice area!

  • 5/5 Margaret W. 2 months ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    Busy area, college town, but beautiful structures all around. No shortage of eateries. A great feel of New England!!!

  • 5/5 Cody H. 10 months ago on Google
    Super cool to see some history. The museums are top notch and totally worth going to. Make sure get off on the Harvard exit on the subway

  • 5/5 M K. 5 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    We went during the Halloween holiday so the student led tours weren't happening. You could still download the audio tour to listen to while walking around the Square and surrounding buildings. It's incredibly beautiful, and filled with a lot of history. I've never seen so many Squirrels in my life, they definitely added to the charm of the area. I'd love to go back next year, but earlier in the summer for a proper tour. The surrounding area of Harvard Square is also worth exploring if you have the time.

  • 5/5 Arinze 8 months ago on Google
    The Havard square serves as a center for Harvard University, where the famous John Havard's statue is situated... The John Havard Statue is the 3rd most photographed statue in the world...

  • 5/5 Elisa C. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most alive places im Cambridge, regardless the season and the hour. I love it so much, no matter how many times you go, you will always find something new

  • 3/5 Jeanette N. 8 months ago on Google
    Super crowded on the weekends. It’s listed as a must see on all the Boston “Must See” lists, but I honestly didn’t see what the hoopla was about. The Harvard campus is certainly old, but not nearly as pretty as Columbia or even UNC. I was disappointed that the library was not open to the public.

  • 5/5 Rosanell J. 6 months ago on Google
    Tatte was amazing..it's always packed but it's soo worth it

  • 5/5 Surya P. 1 year ago on Google
    Is there anything that I can't describe about Harvard Square? Haha, no! It's an amazing place right adjacent to Harvard, holding various delicious restaurants! It is must a visit weekly once to enjoy the vibe around Cambridge! You will find pretty good restaurants with different cuisines ranging from Mexican to Korean!

  • 5/5 Te L. 1 year ago on Google
    2022-10-09 sum, lively Oktoberfest & Honk Festival 2022-09-24 sat, wonderful, Dance for World Community Festival 2021-11 beautiful, vintage, vibrant, energetic, kaleidoscopic, a pleasant strolling and goofing place

  • 5/5 Nirav S. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place to hangout. Love the vibe here. Nice restaurants and pubs.

  • 5/5 Santosh D. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the prestigious institutions on planet earth. Went for a site visit on a weekend.

  • 5/5 Kanchana S. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing architecture, totally awesome place . Must visit to see all the grandiose buildings and to be amidst the greatest minds .

  • 5/5 Mark K. 10 months ago on Google
    Groovey locale. Many people from across earth come here. Pricey but good food selection. Very vegan friendly foods.

  • 4/5 Fadi H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great area to visit when checking out boston and cambridge area.. my favorite is checking random people playing chess on the street.. checking out events at the universith and eating and good resturants like russell house tavern and Felipe’s.

  • 4/5 Govinda R. 1 year ago on Google
    Name itself explained. Entrance of Harvard University however there are other many entrances. I have added few extra photos from Harvard University’s Museum.

  • 5/5 Manish T. 1 year ago on Google
    Came back to MA after 20 yrs and really enjoyed it. Harvard Square is really worth visiting.

  • 5/5 Barış O. 1 year ago on Google
    I loved the atmosphere in harvard Square. Streets full with students but it's realy nice to see them there. Even it's full with students it's realy calm and peaceful place. Shops are little bit expensive. But you need to see there

  • 4/5 Bahar D. 1 year ago on Google
    A nice place to visit in Boston. It’s usually busy. There are many good options to eat nearby and cool shops (especially bookstores). You can also use Harvard visit app for a free self-guided tour to different parts of Harvard campus which are all nearby.

  • 4/5 Rommel L. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a fun place to visit because the whole area is lively with lots of students, tourists, residents alike. Parking could be a challenge so come early if possible.


Call +1 617-491-3434 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Last updated:
()